Yesterday you were nursing your newborn, today you are watching your toddler run and play. Where
does the time go? The years go quickly but some of the days (and nights!) can seem very long. How
about taking some quiet time together? Give yourself some moments together with a book.
It’s good for your child…and it’s good for you.
What does reading together do for your little one?
The pictures on the page tell your child about her world.
She learns the names of people, animals and things.
The language she hears now will become her words as she learns to talk.
Reading uses her whole body.
She learns to watch and listen.
Her brain is making connections.
Books, like everything, go into her mouth.
She babbles to exercise mouth muscles that will help make words.
Her eyes and hands work together as she points or follows
your finger.
She may move or bounce to the rhythm.
Her hands turn the pages and clap with delight.
Toddlers may even run around between pages or go get
another book.
Reading together tells her you like to spend time with her.
There are no distractions as you focus on her.
You watch and listen to her, and snuggle together.
Your attention tells her, “I am special!”
She connects good feelings of being with you to good feelings about books.
How do I read
to a young child?
You may feel odd or even silly at
first reading to a young child, but soon it will feel natural. There are no
rules, but here are some hints to help you get started.
Tips for young babies:
Read to your baby from the very start—the most important sound for your newborn is your voice.
Reading helps even the youngest babies pay attention.
Begin with picture books that show real things in her world—textures to touch and doors to open, a
few written words to inspire you to make animal sounds and silly voices, and rhythm and rhyme to grab
baby’s attention.
Example 1:
“What’s behind this door?” you say as you point to the picture on
the page. You open the flap on the
page revealing a smiling bunny. “Aha!” you exclaim with a smile. You
look at the baby in your lap to make a connection, point to the page
and say, “It’s a bunny!”
Tips for when baby becomes a mover:
Read often but for short times. When she squirms away she is saying, “All done for now.”
Keep it fun. Sometimes reading is a quiet, snuggly time. Other times, and for busier kids, you might
read while he plays or sits across from you on the floor.
Tips for the toddler:
Use the book as the beginning—don’t feel you must read every word, every page.
Point to the pictures and label them with simple names.
Involve her by asking questions: “Where is the puppy?” “What does the puppy say?”
When her attention is longer (between age two and three) move from picture books to simple
story books.
Tips for all ages:
Use her name. Sing the words.
Let her turn the pages—even if you are not done.
Remember there is no right or wrong way to read together.
Find books at libraries, dollar stores, garage sales or from friends.
Sprinkle the good feelings of reading time through the day.
Build routines—bring books to the quiet times of every day (before sleep or after lunch).
Books make a great distraction when your toddler is heading for that “no-no” again.
Example 2:
You’re ready to put your toddler to bed and he knows that it’s story
time! Tonight’s book is about trains.
After reading the first page, you remember a story about when you
took a train ride as a child. “You
know, daddy rode a biiiig train with grandpa when he was little,”
you say with intrigue. “Let me tell you allabout daddy’s train
ride…”
Being together
with books is a special time for both of you.
Take a break with
books. It’s a great way to slow down your day,
make time with your little one, and show her the exciting world of
books.
Helpful Parenting Tips
Reading together every day can be a great way to build a parent-child
relationship and provide avaluable opportunity to expose children to literacy early in life.
Start reading to your child from birth and read together as often as you can.
Be warm, supportive, encouraging and responsive to your child as you read together.
Select books that you enjoy and that include characters and themes that your child likes.
Take your child to story time at the library and get him a library card of his own.
Be enthusiastic, playful and animated while reading a story.
Talk to your child and ask questions about the story and pictures in the book.
Encourage his participation. “That’s right, it’s a bunny!”
Let your child choose books. Read the same book again and again if that is his choice.
If he becomes restless or is no longer interested, stop reading and start over later when he is ready to enjoy the experience.
Don’t discipline your child during reading times—he may learn to associate books with
negativity. Avoid being impatient, abrupt or angry with your child while reading together.
Make reading together enjoyable and part of your daily routine.
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